Lew Gaiter remembered for honesty, generosity and faith

Hundreds gather to honor Larimer County commissioner who died Sept. 18

By Pamela Johnson

Reporter Herald

Posted:
10/23/2018 03:46:58 PM MDT

Jeannette Gaiter speaks during a memorial service for her husband, Lew Gaiter, on Saturday morning at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, as the Gaiters' sons, from left, Josiah, Jon, Samuel and Micah listen. (Christopher Stark / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

Lew Gaiter III was a family man, a volunteer, a Larimer County commissioner, a father, a friend, a husband, a mentor and an inspiration.

Those who gathered to celebrate his life at Timberline Church in Fort Collins on Saturday — from lifelong friends to state and federal legislators to the family he loved so dearly — described Gaiter as honest, kind, selfless and generous, as a man with tenacity and vision, as someone willing to work hard, take responsibility and ask the tough questions and someone who was always willing to listen and to learn.

But most of all, they said, he was a man with a pure, true faith in God, which was the current of his life and what allowed him to face a decade with cancer and, within the past few months, a terminal prognosis and death without fear, with strength and with courage.

A collection of cowboy hats were part of a table of mementos displayed during a memorial service for Lew Gaiter at his memorial service. (Christopher Stark / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

"Lew's belief in God's love for him was the foundation of every word spoken, every decision made," his wife, Jeannette, said, adding that his faith was ingrained within his very being. "It was who he was."

Gaiter was so many different things to many different people, filling many roles within the community.

While those who knew him best said he was a family man first, he also was a volunteer with the Loveland Ski Patrol for 25 years, he was a businessman, a computer genius, a volunteer with his church and many community groups and, for a decade, a Larimer County commissioner.

"He loved his job; he loved Larimer County," said Steve Johnson, who served with Gaiter on the Board of Commissioners. "He wanted to help people.

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"The community is much better for the time we shared with Lew."

He described Gaiter as dedicated to the community as devoted to his family and with a faith that was deep, sincere and heart-felt, the source of his strength in both life and death.

Members of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard fold a flag during a memorial service for Lew Gaiter on Saturday morning at Timberline Church in Fort Collins. Gaiter passed away Sept. 18 after a long battle with cancer. (Christopher Stark / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

Many gathered Saturday as Gaiter, who died Sept. 18 at the age of 58, was laid to rest, and several spoke of the many aspects of his life, from those who knew him as an avid Broncos fan, to those who worked with him after the 2013 floods, to his family members. Their experiences with Gaiter were different, but their descriptions similar — honest, hard-working, faithful and a true listener. They described a man with diverse interests, an infectious smile and a giving heart.

As a commissioner, he pushed hard for what was best for the residents of Larimer County.

As a volunteer, he worked tirelessly on behalf of children and others in the community.

As a ski patroller, he saved lives and rescued people in need.

Larimer County Commissioner Steve Johnson speaks during a memorial service for County Commissioner Lew Gaiter on Saturday morning at Timberline Church in Fort Collins. With Johnson, from left, are Pastor Darrell Hailey, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner and Congressman Jared Polis. From right are former County Commissioner Kathay Rennels and State Rep. Hugh McKean. (Christopher Stark / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

As a father and grandfather, he spread love and taught his family about God, responsibility and true citizenship.

And in all of these roles, he made friends and changed lives.

Both Johnson and Kevin Lundberg, a state representative who met Gaiter through Christian Home Educators, quoted the same Bible verse: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

"I have no doubt that's where Lew is now," said Johnson.

Family members and friends shared stories. U.S. Rep. Jared Polis brought a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol and was presented by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Color Guard. State Rep. Hugh McKean read a proclamation honoring Gaiter approved by the General Assembly. Family and friends laughed and cried, hugged, honored and remembered a remarkable man.

Members of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard present a flag to Jeanette Gaiter during a memorial service for her husband, Lew Gaiter, on Saturday morning. (Christopher Stark / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

And true to the man, Gaiter offered words of love and advice to those gathered at his memorial service through a video recorded shortly before his death. He urged everyone to love God with all their hearts and to love each other.

"You honor me with your presence," he said in the video. "Thank you so very, very much. I love you all."

Gaiter died at home on Sept. 18, leaving behind his wife, Jeannette; nine children; siblings; grandchildren; his mother; and an entire community of friends and loved ones.

His wife of 37 years challenged those who admired Gaiter to go beyond simply recognizing his qualities but to take them to heart and to incorporate them into their lives.

That, according to several speakers at the service, is one more gift from Gaiter.

"Lew has a legacy," said Kathay Rennels, former county commissioner whose seat on the board was filled by Gaiter. "He had passion. He had discernment, and he lived his life to the fullest.

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